Just as Caleb Williams was emerging as the Chicago Bears’ franchise quarterback, the team made a move that will immediately change his offense.
One of his most trusted weapons is officially gone.

Caleb Williams Loses Key Weapon Ahead of Crucial Third NFL Season

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will enter the 2026 NFL season without one of his most reliable targets.

The Bears have reportedly traded veteran wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, marking a major shift in Chicago’s offense just as Williams prepares for his third year in the league.

The deal sends Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick to Buffalo, while the Bears receive a 2026 second-round draft pick in return.

For Williams, the trade means losing a receiver who played a critical role in his breakout season.

Williams’ Breakout Year in Chicago

Williams took a massive step forward in his second NFL season.

After a difficult rookie campaign in 2024, the former No. 1 overall pick flourished under head coach Ben Johnson, helping lead the Bears back to the playoffs.

In 2025, Williams finished with impressive numbers:

330 completions on 568 attempts
3,942 passing yards
27 touchdowns
7 interceptions

He also added 388 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, showing his dual-threat ability.

Behind Williams’ strong play, Chicago finished 11–6 and captured the NFC North title, marking one of the franchise’s most successful seasons in years.

DJ Moore Was a Trusted Target

During that successful run, DJ Moore became one of Williams’ most dependable receivers.

Moore appeared in all 17 games during the 2025 season and recorded:

50 receptions
682 receiving yards
6 touchdowns

Beyond the statistics, Moore frequently delivered in crucial situations, providing Williams with a reliable option during key moments in games.

His ability to create yards after the catch and run precise routes made him an important part of Chicago’s passing attack.

End of a Productive Chicago Tenure

Moore originally joined the Bears in 2023 as part of the blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers involving the No. 1 overall pick.

He quickly became one of the most consistent playmakers on the roster.

Before arriving in Chicago, Moore spent five seasons with the Panthers, recording three 1,000-yard seasons despite dealing with frequent quarterback changes.

His consistency and versatility helped stabilize the Bears’ offense during a period of transition.

Now, however, Chicago appears focused on reshaping its roster.

Bears Confident in Young Receiving Core

Although losing Moore is significant, the Bears still believe they have plenty of talent around Williams.

The team’s receiving group includes several promising young playmakers:

Rome Odunze, a former first-round pick
Luther Burden III, a dynamic receiver drafted in the second round
Colston Loveland, a productive tight end who led the team in receiving yards last season

With this young core in place, Chicago’s front office appears confident the offense can continue to develop around Williams.

A New Challenge for Williams

For Caleb Williams, the upcoming season will present a new challenge.

He’ll need to build chemistry with a reshaped receiving corps while continuing the momentum from his breakout year.

If he can replicate his 2025 success without one of his most trusted targets, it will only strengthen the belief that the Bears have finally found their long-term franchise quarterback.